A Blog started and maintained by four children who write about love, happiness, hope, strength and how our Mom finished her 7 year fight with gastric cancer from 2008 - 2015

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase"

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Financial Hardships

How many people haven't heard of "Financial Hardships" these days?

Life certainly isn't easy for many people, and especially for cancer patients. If someone fighting cancer is able to maintain a full time job they are now facing increased insurance rates, deductibles and office co-pays. After the insurance company pays their portion a very large amount is still left remaining for the cancer patient to pay. I haven't mentioned prescription cost, any helpful supplements or trying to purchase the healthier foods. If a cancer patient is no longer able to work full time they are faced with reduced income. They may not have a choice but to accept part-time disability which means only grossing a very small amount of income each month. This depends on how much was paid into taxes during a working career. A divorced stay-at-home parent wouldn't have much in that category to benefit from. If a cancer patient could no longer work or lost insurance benefits they would be forced into public aid. Medicare doesn't become available for application until 2 years of being on social security disability. Two years is a lifetime for a cancer patient! The clock is ticking and money is running out for so many people who are fighting for their lives physically and financially. We are not alone in this battle. This system is not setup to take care of the sick properly.

Where does the benefit money go? As you can see financial concerns are ever increasing. We always try to stay positive, but it's also important to be honest and share this part of our story. Please help spread awareness and assist the fight against cancer by any means your heart is willing to offer. It could be a place to stay, food, rides to appointments, or donations towards medical care.

The recent benefit for Mom was a wonderful help and support from everyone! Mom thanks you all from the very bottom of her heart. In her words "Please thank everyone again for all the emotional and financial help they have given me, I never could have survived these past 4 1/2 years of treatment and surgeries without your love and support!"

Keep Calm and Kerry On! Our love and hearts are always with you all!
Kerry & the Kids